Challenges when Working with LGBT Survivors of IPV Brittany Harrison, BSW MSW Graduate 2015

Center on Violence Against Women and Children The LGBT Population Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender 2015 United States Population: 320 Million People 5,120,000 adults self-identified as Gay or Lesbian 2,240,000 adults self-identified as Bisexual 3,520,000 adults identified as “other” 960,000 adults identified as transgender Center on Violence Against Women and Children (Ward et. al, 2014)

Center on Violence Against Women and Children Myths About LGBT IPV Domestic violence does not occur in lesbian couples, women are always the victims. Heterosexual domestic violence is much worse as men are much stronger than women; same sex couples are equally matched in their physical strength. The perpetrator must either be a male, “butch”, or a “tom boy” as that is the dynamic in which domestic violence normally occurs. Homosexuality and Transgenderism are immoral, therefore domestic violence is acceptable. (Tesch et. al, 2010) Center on Violence Against Women and Children

Center on Violence Against Women and Children Facts About LGBT IPV 89% of Police Officers stated that they have responded to at least one patrol call for a same-sex or sexual minority incident of domestic violence (Tesch et. al, 2010). “The National Violence Against Women (NVAW) survey found that 21.5% of men and 35.4% of women reporting a history of cohabitation with a same-sex partner had experienced physical abuse in their lifetimes; the corresponding rates for men and women with a history of only opposite-sex cohabitation were 7.1% and 20.4%, respectively” (Ard & Makadon, pp. 630, 2011). “Transgender [individuals] reported lifetime physical abuse rates by a partner of 34.6%, versus 14.0% for gay or lesbian individuals” (Ard & Makadon, pp. 630, 2011). Center on Violence Against Women and Children

Heterosexual vs. LGBT Domestic Violence Similarities: Differences: The role of power and control. The cycle of violence. The escalation of abuse over time. Types of Abuse: Physical Sexual Emotional Verbal Financial “Outing” may be used as a tool for abuse or a barrier to seeking help. Abusers exploit the fear of “coming out”. Forcing the victim to “out” themselves. Further isolation from friends/family due to issues with “coming out”. Heightened stigma or disbelief from law enforcement or criminal justice system. Center on Violence Against Women and Children (Ard & Makadon, 2011).

Gaps in Services to the LGBT Population Non-existent LGBT domestic violence shelters. Traditional domestic violence shelters do not house male victims (trans- or cisgender). Domestic violence policies and laws are gender-biased or heterosexist in nature. 30 states have non-gender based language 14 states have non-discriminatory language in regards to a “household” 20 states still have heterosexist language in DV policies and laws Lack of culturally competent practitioners and workers, especially for the transgender population. Workers feel more confident in their work/ability to help with male-on-female heterosexual violence. For Lesbian/Bisexual Couples: Female perpetrator may enter shelter covertly Lack of education for LGBT teen dating relationships. Center on Violence Against Women and Children (Brown & Groscup, 2008).

Center on Violence Against Women and Children Case Briefing Role: Advocate at DV shelter Client: Identifies as a female victim of verbal and physical violence by her male partner. Seeking: Shelter and supportive counseling for her DV experiences. Situation: This client arrives at your facility and based on her appearance you begin to question her story and identity as a female. What would you do next? What are some of your initial reactions? Do you feel comfortable allowing a trans-female to stay in your all-female facility? Center on Violence Against Women and Children

Center on Violence Against Women and Children References: Ard, K., & Makadon, H. (2011). Addressing intimate partner violence in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender patients. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 930-3. doi:10.1007/s11606-011-1697-6 Brown, M., & Groscup, J. (2008). Perceptions of same-sex domestic violence among crisis center staff. Journal of Family Violence, 87-93. doi:10.1007/s10896-008-9212-5 Tesch, B., Bekerian, D., English, P., & Harrington, E. (2010). Same-sex domestic violence: Why victims are more at risk. International Journal of Police Science & Management, 526-535. doi:10.1350/ijps.2010.12.4.204 Ward, B., Dahlhamer, J., Galinsky, A., & Joestl, S. (2014). Sexual orientation and health among U.S. adults: National health interview survey, 2013. National Health Statistics Reports, 77, 1-10. Center on Violence Against Women and Children